Each year since 1963, the President has issued a proclamation calling for the celebration of Small Business Week. National Small Business Week recognizes outstanding small business owners for their personal successes and contributions to our nation.

"We are proud that Jeff and Dan are SBA's Small Business Persons of the Year for 2013," says Janita R. Stewart, SBA District Director in Mississippi. "Nominated to SBA by Trustmark National Bank, their selection as our state winners was based in part on Sal and Mookie's staying power, growth in number of employees, increase in sales and/or unit volume, current and past financial reports, innovations of product or service, and response to adversity and contributions to aid the community."

"Dan and Jeff are extraordinary entrepreneurs, and they work each day to ensure their guests get the absolute best in value and experience," says Mike Cashion, the Executive Director of the Mississippi Hospitality and Restaurant Association. "Besides the quality of life to a community that restaurants like Sal & Mookie's provide, they provide jobs, tax revenues and economic activities. Dan and Jeff employ just over 200 Jacksonians between their three restaurants, and they give generously to hundreds of causes each year."

Beneta Burt, President of the Jackson Chamber of Commerce, also praises Jeff and Dan's achievement saying, "Jeff and Dan are the gold standard of what's right with local businesses. They are as generous with their time and talents working in the community as they are with the size of the portions on one of their fantastic pizzas! These two Murrah High School graduates built a business from the ground up by being focused, fearless and fun."

Wanda Wilson, President & CEO of the Jackson Convention & Visitors Bureau states, "We are elated to have this year's winner from Mississippi represent the visitor industry of Jackson, our state's Capital City. The Sal & Mookie's family continues to be a corporate leader in not only the hospitality industry but our community at-large."

"The Mississippi Chapter of U.S. Small Business Administration plans on recognizing them, along with our other winners, at an award ceremony to be held later this summer here in Mississippi. In the meantime, they are also in the running for the 'National Small Business Person(s) of the Year'. All state winners will be presented with awards by the SBA Administrator in Washington, D.C." says Stewart.

Jeff and Dan will join the other 49 state winners for the National Small Business Week celebration to be held in Washington, D.C., June 21, 2013.